Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

[67Mopar]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

It's too bad that Mike doesn't have an heir or true protoge who shares his vision and wants to carry that on.

If there were a market for $4500.00 (50/100 watt) amplifiers, I doubt he would be closing his doors. If there are low-watt models that people are interested in, I suspect he will contract with BAD to produce those amplifiers. Why wouldn't he? Using a domestic manufacturing is the next best thing to off-shoring. All items carry the "Made in USA" moniker. Soldano contracted with Japanese builders in the past on select items, so why not contract with BAD?

 

[JMP/HBE]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

If there were a market for $4500.00 (50/100 watt) amplifiers, I doubt he would be closing his doors. If there are low-watt models that people are interested in, I suspect he will contract with BAD to produce those amplifiers. Why wouldn't he? Using a domestic manufacturing is the next best thing to off-shoring. All items carry the "Made in USA" moniker. Soldano contracted with Japanese builders in the past on select items, so why not contract with BAD?

Spot on. My guess is $4500 amps haven't had the greatest Sales cuz if they did they wouldn't be fading away. Makes me wonder how much Debt Soldano Inc may be in.

 

[Sirion]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

LOL. I QUOTED your exact post. I'm not sure where the "misquoting" thing is coming from. And your opinion is indeed subjective... as is mine. I was just disagreeing with your opinion. No need to create drama when someone doesn't agree. This is a discussion forum. Sometimes we agree, and sometimes we don't. That's what makes forums interesting and educational.

My apologies. I took this (emphasis added):

But I don't think there is any such thing as a "best amp of all time".

As referring to this:

I think Soldanos is possibly the best-sounding amps of all time – judging from the records they have been used on.

If it were, it would be a gross distortion of what I was trying to say… but rereading it, I don't think that has to be the case. I thus extend my apologies.

 

[67Mopar]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

Another thing I never cared for is the 6L6 power section. To me, it sounds more like warm solid-state power, if that's makes any sense? It's cleaner/tighter sounding, probably better for those who prefer preamp distortion over power amp distortion. My last SLO was rigged with EL34's. The SLO iron isn't biased for EL34's, but can handle the increased demand. Still, at 100 watts it's sort-of pointless. The Hot Rod 25 (IMO) was long past due. I would have called it a SLO 25, but that's just me. They say it sounds more like an SLO, so...?

 

[JMP/HBE]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

Rock guitar amps always sound better with EL-34's IMO, they just grind with a better midrange.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

Good for him!

 

[JWR]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

I say good for him as well. Too much speculation, hype, and distribution oddities tend to cloud a celebration of a great career.

 

[xntrick]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

I'm curious if Ceriatone makes anything similar to the SLO?

 

[JMP/HBE]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

To those that claim a Jet City "sounds just like an SLO" i say : ... NO.

 

[newking70]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

I'm curious if Ceriatone makes anything similar to the SLO?

c3 amps makes a kit if you're looking a slcone. http://www.c3amps.com/ but it ain't for rookies.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

UPDATE

(or at least a rumour on other forums/Facebook etc...)

What looks likely to be happening is that production of the SLO by Soldano is finishing up. There's 3 more sets of DeYoungs for the last 3 SLO's and a possibility of Mike ordering another 25 SLO chassis, but who knows what transformers it will have if there's no more De Youngs. Either way, from a cost perspective, a not-wanting-to-compromise-and-bring-the-price-down-on-his-flagship-amp perspective or purely his choice, the SLO will more than likely finish when Mike retires.

The rest of the Soldano amp line looks like they may be licensed/outsourced to BAD after all - or at least some of the more popular amps that aren't the SLO, so I'm guessing at least the Hot Rods will continue, not made by Soldano, but with the Soldano name on them under some kind of licensing arrangement with BAD.

Either way, all signs points to Soldano amps with Mike being involved is coming to an end, so those amps made by Mike will likely appreciate as the collector/investor market so often bears upon these things.

This is a smart move for a guy who wants to enjoy the hard work he's put in over his career.

Soon, the SLOs will be the stuff of legends and High pricing like Dumbles.
I always thought an SLO was my Dream amp... And although they still are Amazing, Ive dropped it down into my top 5 cuz I simply dont play wide open enough to get full mojo from the SLO.

Right now.. Of any amp on the market, the Friedman Brown Eye is my top dog want...

 

[newking70]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

Soon, the SLOs will be the stuff of legends and High pricing like Dumbles.

dont see that happening.

 

[JMP/HBE]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

dont see that happening.

I don't see that happening either but im sure many sellers will try.

 

[Joey Voltage]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

The markets are flooded with people making exact piece by piece clones of that amp, and have been for a good 20+ years. It’s been so well documented there’s no mystery or un-obtainium to be had. A real slo will only appeal for those hoping for an investment on the name, or somebody that just has to have the real deal. Even at the current price point, both camps are very far and few between. The majority will take the clone, or one of the other products still being made.

 

[newking70]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

I don't see that happening either but im sure many sellers will try.

this guy has been trying for years to unload this slo. https://www.ebay.com/itm/SOLDANO-Ri...7.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC1.A0.H0.Xsoldano+slo.TRS0

 

[dystrust]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

To those that claim a Jet City "sounds just like an SLO" i say : ... NO.

They don't really sound like a Soldano Hotrod either, but they're much closer to a Hotrod than an SLO. Comparing my JCA22H to a Hotrod 50, the JCA is a bit brighter and more sizzly, in addition to having maybe a little more gain and slightly inferior clarity. It's close enough for the price I paid and how often I play through it; my Marshall 2525H is definitely my #1 amp these days.

Soon, the SLOs will be the stuff of legends and High pricing like Dumbles.

I agree with several other posts that this isn't super likely; there are simply a lot more SLOs out there than Dumbles.

I always thought an SLO was my Dream amp... And although they still are Amazing, Ive dropped it down into my top 5 cuz I simply dont play wide open enough to get full mojo from the SLO.

The tone of an SLO is about 80% preamp, so you really don't have to play all that loud to get the goods. They're like most recent channel switchers that start to sound decent around 2 on the master volume and improve until 5 or 6. Beyond that it's easy for the tone to become over-compressed mush unless you're really careful balancing the relative amounts of preamp and power amp distortion.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

this guy has been trying for years to unload this slo. https://www.ebay.com/itm/SOLDANO-Ri...7.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC1.A0.H0.Xsoldano+slo.TRS0

Maybe he sold it... no longer avail...

They don't really sound like a Soldano Hotrod either, but they're much closer to a Hotrod than an SLO. Comparing my JCA22H to a Hotrod 50, the JCA is a bit brighter and more sizzly, in addition to having maybe a little more gain and slightly inferior clarity. It's close enough for the price I paid and how often I play through it; my Marshall 2525H is definitely my #1 amp these days.



I agree with several other posts that this isn't super likely; there are simply a lot more SLOs out there than Dumbles.



The tone of an SLO is about 80% preamp, so you really don't have to play all that loud to get the goods. They're like most recent channel switchers that start to sound decent around 2 on the master volume and improve until 5 or 6. Beyond that it's easy for the tone to become over-compressed mush unless you're really careful balancing the relative amounts of preamp and power amp distortion.

This is cool to know.. Id always heard they had to be wide open to get the goods

 

[Joey Voltage]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

No, most modern high gain amps are voiced to not have their power sections distorted. Most high gainers tend to lose a ton of focus when you do that and sound sloppy. It’s also worse to clip any proceeding circuitry if you run effects through the loop.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Mike Soldano closing up shop ?

dont see that happening.

I agree with several other posts that this isn't super likely; there are simply a lot more SLOs out there than Dumbles.

I totally agree. I could see prices going up for the name but not to Dumble levels simply due to the extremely small supply and the large number of professionals alone with the big bucks to afford them.

Wish Mike all the best in retirement.